Window well cover



1962 H. J. SLADE 3,048,900

WINDOW WELL COVER Filed March 5, 1960 United States Patent Ofiice dfi idfihh Patented Aug. lll, 962

3,0483% WHNDGW WELL COVER Herbert J. latle, 106 E. Olive St., Prospect Heights, Ell. Filed Mar. 3, 1960, Ser. No. 12,567 '7 @iahns. (Cl. Ell-40) This invention relates to inexpensive light transmitting covers for basement window wells and the like, and more particularly to plastic covers that are easily and adjustably attached to the tops of semi-cylindrical metal window wells to accommodate variations in the sizes and shapes of the tops of such window wells.

The present invention is a continuation-inpart of my copending application for Window Well Cover, Serial No. 804,697, filed April 7, 1959. While the invention will be hereinafter specifically described in conjunction with window well casings of the semi-cylindrical metal type attached at their edges to a building foundation for spanning the window opening of such a foundation, it will be understood that the principles of this invention are generally applicable to window wells of any construction or shape, and therefore, the covers of this invention are not limited for use with the specifically described and illustrated type of window well.

According to the invention, a sheet or slab of light transmitting plastic material, such as for example fiberglass, or clear polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, is cut or molded to cover the open top of a window well. A metal rod is secured in preferably underlying relationship to the cover and along the edge thereof that spans the window well immediately adjacent the building foundation. The rod has extensible ends which are received in a tube portion of the rod to afford a hinge for the cover so that it may be pivoted between opened and closed positions without difficulty. In order to secured the rod to the top wall of the window well, the ends have snapon clips welded or otherwise secured thereto so that the cover is supported in reinforced relationship at the edge adjacent the foundation. The tube is displaced inwardly somewhat from the end edge adjacent the foundation so that the cover can be pushed tight against the foundation wall, and a metal clip is provided on the underface of the sheet or slab adjacent its peripheral edge to engage the top well of the window well and cooperate with the rod to hold the cover in place. This clip extends inside the wall of the window well and because of the described abutting engagement of the inner edge of the cover with the foundation, inner shifting of the cover is prevented. That is, the engagement of the inner edge of the cover with the foundation prevents the shifting of the cover toward the foundation, and the clip member at the periphcry of the cover prevents shifting of the cover in an outward direction.

in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic forming the cover is itself perforated to afford ventilation, and a closure is pivotally mounted on the plastic for slidable movement over the cover toward and away from the perforate portion of the cover selectively. The closure for the perforate portion is also desirably of a transparent or translucent material. It has been found that a fiberglass material is highly suitable for the cover as well as for the closure pivoted thereto, although other materials having a sufiiciently rigid construction to withstand loads such as would be placed thereon by children, snow or the like may be used.

Accordingly, it is an important feature of this invention to provide an inexpensive window well cover adapted to fit on top of conventional metal window wells which may vary in shape and size. The covers of this invention therefore need not be individually tailored for any particular metal window well, because they overlap the well and have extensible end portions on their reinforcing and support rod structures adjusted to accommodate different dimensions.

A further feature of this invention is to provide an inexpensive molded plastic window well cover which can be easily snapped on and removed from a conventional window well without requiring any particular skills, spe cial tools or exertion on the part of the operator.

It is, then, an object of this invention to provide an inexpensive window well cover which can be universally fitted to conventional window wells by a householder without requiring special installation tools.

Another object of the invention is to provide a window well cover which will universally fit semi-cylindrical metal window wells.

Another object of this invention is to protect Window wells from the weather while accommodating circulation of air when desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover as described which can be inserted on varying dimensions of window wells without effort being required of the operator.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive window well cover which does not obstruct light to the window.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a plastic window well cover with a reinforced support structure to span the window well adjacent the foundation of a building.

Another object of the invention is to provide a universal window well cover adapted for fitting metal window wells of various sizes and shapes, but which prevents shifting of the cover after it has been installed.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a window well cover which is pivotable from a closed to an open position and from an open to a closed position selectively, by virtue of a hinge construction afforded by the reinforcing and support member therefor.

Other objects and advatnages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description proceeds in accordance with the drawings in which:

On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a window well equipped with a cover according to this invention and illustrating in horizontal cross section the foundation to which the window well is attached;

FIGURE 2 is a. vertical cross sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line IlI--III of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of clip means which may be used with the cover of the invention.

As shown on the drawings:

Referring now to the drawings, in FIGURES l and 2 the reference numeral 10 designates generally the basement foundation of a building having a window opening 11 therethrough with a conventional basement window frame 12 secured in the opening. A metal window well casing 13 in the form of a semi-cylindrical open-ended drum is mounted on the foundation 10 to span the window opening 11. The casing 13 is secured to the foundation at its edges by means of brackets 14 or the like. The top of the casing has an out-turned rounded bead 15 therearound.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the open bottom of the casing 13 extends below the bottom of the window opening 11 in the foundation and is partially covered with dirt or gravel 16 to a level below the sill 17 for the window frame 12. The open top of the casing projects above the window opening 11 and above the ground level indicated at 18. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the casing 13 aosaeoo is partially exposed above the ground level 18. To rigidity the casing, beads, such as 19, can be embossed therearound. It will be appreciated that rough handling and building irregularities will vary the contour and shape of the casing 13 so that actually installed casings which are originally identical in size and shape may vary considerably in size and shape at different window openings of the same foundation. Furthermore, variations in manufacturing tolerances may be encountered, which may also be accommodated by the cover of the invention.

In accordance with this invention, the open top of the window well casing 13 is closed by a cover 29 cut or molded in the shape of a half disk of a large enough diameter to overlie the bead 15 of the casing. The cover 29 is composed of a relatively rigid sheet or slab of light transmitting, preferably transparent plastic, such as fiberglass or the like, and is sufficiently strong to support small children, snow and the like.

In order to provide reinforcing hinged support for the cover 20, a rod structure 21 is secured adjacent the diametrical edge 22 thereof by suitable brackets or the like 23, which, in the form shown, cradle a tube portion 24 of the rod structure 21 and are secured to the cover 20 by bolts or rivets or the like 25. The rod structure 21 is thus maintained in proximate relationship to the edge 22 and hence to the foundation against which the edge is adapted to abut while being sufliciently spaced so that pivotal movement of the cover may be easily afforded. For this purpose, and also in order to provide for securing the cover to varying dimensions of window well casings as described, the tube 24 has adjustably and axially connected thereto end portions 26 and 28 which are herein illustrated as being of a rod-like configuration and are telescopically received within the tube 24. However, it will be appreciated that other forms of axially adjustable and pivotal connection for end portions of the rod structure 21 may be provided in accordance with the invention, such as an externally slidable connection or the like.

Each of the end rod portions 26 and 28 is provided with clip means 30 and 32 which may be welded to the outer ends of the rod portions 26 and 28 as indicated at 34 and 36 respectively. However, it will also be appreciated that these clips may be secured to the end portions by a rolled-over sleeve or the like clamped to the said end portions, or otherwise, within the scope of the invention. The clips 30 and 32 are preferably of a resilient stamped metal construction and have a hook-shaped configuration such as fit in snugly resilient relationship over the bead structure 15. Thus each of the clips may have outwardly extending end portions 38 and 4% so that they may be easily cammed onto the bead with but slight pressure thereon. It will be seen therefore that no exertion is required in positioning the clamps on the window well casing to secure the cover in position as shown. Furthermore, slidable movement of the end portions 26 and 28 within the tube structure 24 is effective to accommodate any such variations in the size of the casing as may be encountered, and desirably the cover overlies the bead portion 15 to rest securely thereon, and also to permit positioning of the cover on variable sizes of casings. Although the cover 20 is shown as being cut out or recessed at 42 and 44 to accommodate the clips and 32, it will be appreciated that if the metal from which the clips are formed is sufficiently thin, consistently with a desired degree of strength therein, there will be no necessity for such recessing of the cover.

It will be further been that the tube 24 has a longitudinal dimension slightly less than the expected dimension of a window well casing with which it may be used, although this also may be varied; but desirably, the tube is sufficiently long so that lateral shifting is minimized. Also, the rods 26 and 28 may be of a sufficiently snug fit with respect to the tube as to substantially obviate such lateral shifting, or if desired, screw means (not shown) may be utilized to thread through the tube structure into Cir engagement with the rods and thereby rigidly maintain the structure against lateral shifting.

When the cover 20 is in the covering position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the diameter edge 22 is, as stated, abutted against the outer face of the foundation wall 10 above the window opening 11, and to prevent shifting of the cover away from the foundation Wall, one or more fasteners or clips 46, preferably of the type shown in FIGURE 4, are secured to the underface of the slab adjacent the semi-circular margin thereof. These clips are formed of bendable metal in a preferred form, and include a base 43 with rivet holes 50 therethrough accommodating rivets such as the rivets 52 shown in FIGURES l and 2. A depending downwardly extending outer flange portion 54 is formed integrally with the base portion 4-8 of the clips 46 and this flange 54 may have a generally arcuately formed configuration such as to permit ready camming of the clip downwardly into the window well casing 13. The clip or clips 46 are thus secured by the rivets 52 or the like to the cover structure 20 adjacent the peripheral edge 56 thereof, and preferably centrally thereof, so that the depending flange 54 will fit snugly against the casing 13 when the cover is installed. Thus the rear or diametrical edge 22 of the cover will be held firmly in abutting engagement with the wall it) and the foundation will prevent inward shifting of the cover while the casing 13 will prevent outward shifting of the cover.

It will be seen that as a result of the slight spacing of the rod structure 21 from the foundation, the cover may easily pivot between an opened position and a closed position as desired, with the arcuate or bowed configuration of the clip 46 permitting ready movement of the clip into and out of engagement with the casing.

Also in accordance with the invention, the cover or slab structure 2! has a plurality of perforations which are formed directly in the plastic material of the cover itself and preferably in a central area thereof. Thus, the access of air into the window well is provided without the need for mounting a vent structure in the casing. In order to selectively open and close the vent means formed by the apertures 53, a closure element of; is provided which is preferably formed of a material similar or the same as that forming the cover, which in a preferred form is a fiberglass material.

The cover or closure 60 is mounted for slidable movement across the face of the cover 2% and in parallel relation thereto by means of a pivot member 62 which may be a rivet formed in a peripheral portion of the closure 66. In the embodiment shown for example, the closure has a generally circular shape, and an outwardly extending ear 64 is formed integrally therein to receive the pivot member 62, with the pivot member 62 being preferably located at the rear central portion of the cover structure so that the closure 60 will be positioned within the conlines of the cover structure even when it has been moved to an open position. If desired, handle means may be provided on the closure, although it will be appreciated that slidable movement of the closure from the open to the closed position or vice versa will be easily accomplished without such a handle.

If desired, the plastic material forming the cover 2t) can be tinted or otherwise treated to filter sunlight, and as indicated, variations in the particular material utilized are within the scope of the invention.

From the above description it will be understood that this invention now provides an inexpensive window well cover that can be mass produced and easily installed by the householder. Installation is accomplished simply by clipping on the clips 30 and 32 and positioning of the lug 46 into engagement with the casing, and the cover may be thereafter opened or closed by pivotal movement as desired. Since the peripheral edge 56 of the cover 28 is generally adapted to extend beyond the bead 15 of the casing to some extent, this edge may be readily grasped manually for moving the cover pivotally from the open to closed position or vice versa. However, if desired, a separate handle may be utilized for this purpose (not shown), and in any event such pivotal movement will be afforded without diificulty. It will also be understood that the vent openings 58 illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 may be eliminated and the slab may be continuous throughout its entire area if desired.

Accordingly, the covers of the invention can be easily removed in the summer months and used as storm covers for the winter months, and removal and replacement is rendered particularly easy by the telescopic or slidable adjustment of the end portions 26 and 28 of the rod structure 21, so that repeated installations may be accomplished with the cover without substantially diminishing the effectiveness of the engagement of the cover with a window well. 7

Although I have herein set forth and described my invention with respect to certain specific principles and details thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the hereunto appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A cover for window well casings that are mounted on the outer faces of building foundation Walls to span window openings through said walls which comprises a rigid, strong slab of light transmitting material, a metal support means secured to the slab along an edge thereto which is abutted against the foundation wall on which the window well casing is secured, and said support means extending beyond the slab at the end portions thereof, said support means having a construction at its end portions engageable with the top of the Window well casing and including an elongated portion secured to said slab, said end portions being in axially slidable relationship to said elongated portion, and a clip extending from the bottom face of the slab to engage the window well casing in spaced relation from the foundation wall for cooperating with the support means to retain the slab against shifting on the top of said casing.

2. A cover for window well casings that are mounted on the outer faces of building foundation walls to span window openings through said walls which comprises a rigid, strong slab of light transmitting material, a metal support means secured to the slab along an edge thereof which is abutted against the foundation wall on which the window well casing is secured, and said support means extending beyond the slab at the end portions thereof, said support means having a construction at its end portions engageable with the top of the window Well casing, said support means including an elongated portion secured to said slab with said end portions being in pivotal relationship thereto, and a clip extending from the bottom face of the slab to engage the window Well casing in spaced relation from the foundation wall for cooperating with the support means to retain the slab against shifting on the top of said casing.

3. A cover for window well casings that are mounted on the outer faces of building foundation Walls to span window openings through said walls which comprises a rigid, strong slab of light transmitting material, a metal support means secured to the slab along an edge thereof which is abutted against the foundation wall on which the window well casing is secured, and said support means extending beyond the slab at the end portions thereof, said support means having 8. depending clamp at each of its end portions engageable with the top of the window well casing, said support means including an elongated portion secured to said slab with said end portions being in axially slidable relationship thereto, and a clip extending from the bottom face of the slab to engage the window well casing in spaced relation from the foundation wall for cooperating with the support means to retain the slab against shifting on the top of said casing.

4. A cover for window well casings that are mounted on the outer faces of building foundation walls to span window openings through said walls which comprises a rigid, strong slab of light transmitting material, a metal support means secured to the slab along an edge thereof which is abutted against the foundation wall on which the window well casing is secured, and said support means extending beyond the slab at the end portions thereof, said support means having a construction at it end portions engageable with the top of the window well casing, said support means including an elongated portion secured to said slab with said end portions being in axially slidable and pivotal relationship thereto, and a clip extending from the bottom face of the slab to engage the window well casing in spaced relation from the foundation wall for cooperating with the support means to retain the slab against shifting on the top of said casing.

5. A window well cover comprising a slab of light transmitting material shaped to overlie the top of a window well casing, fastener means carried by said slab for detachably mounting said slab to the window well casing and means for pivotally connecting said slab to said fastener means, said means for pivotally connecting said slab to said fastener means being extensible to provide shifting of said fastener means relative to said slab to accommodate varying dimensions of window well casings.

6. A window well cover comprising a rigid slab of plastic material sized for spanning the open top of a window well and having an edge to abut against a foundation Wall on which the window well casing is secured, support means for said slab including an elongated tube secured to the slab adjacent said edge, a rod telescopically received in each end of said tube, and clamp means on an outer end of each of said rods for engagin the upper edge of the window well casing.

7. A window well cover comprising a rigid slab of plastic material sized for spanning the open top of a window well casing and having an edge adapted to abut a foundation wall on which the window well casing is secured, support means for said slab including an elongated tube secured to the underface of said slab adjacent said edge, a rod telescopically received in each end of said tube, clamp means on an outer end of each of said rods for engaging the upper edge of the window well casing, and a clip member mounted on said slab in spaced relation to said clamp means for releasably engaging the inner face of the window well casing for cooperating with the clamp mean to prevent shifting of the slab when the slab is secured in overlying relation to the window well casing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 542,731 Halstead July 16, 1895 869,118 Wamhoff Oct. 22, 1907 1,223,535 Traut et a1. Apr. 24, 1917 1,508,655 Hauser Sept. 16, 1924 2,174,781 Edwards Oct. 3, 1939 2,237,564 Keyes Apr. 8, 1941 2,761,180 Krelwitz Sept. 4, 1956 2,863,177 Nelson et al. Dec. 9, 1958 2,898,638 Druckhamer Aug. 11, 1959 

